Host/Hostess- Chicago

Job Details: Job Location: SW Chicago - Chicago, IL, Salary Range: $18.00 - $18.00Hourly, Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service, As the first and often the last point of contact in the restaurant our Hosts/Hostesses are responsible for greeting and seating guests in a warm, friendly and personalized manner upon arrival into the restaurant. This person must maintain a smiling attentive and courteous communication with guests and manage the phone calls and all questions in a polite manner. The Host presence at the front desk is required at all times to extend an appropriate welcome, farewell, and a sincere invitation for our guests’ return.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Greet guests in a warm and friendly manner as they arrive at the restaurant with a smile.
Seat guests efficiently and issue menus and wine list, drawing attention to BTG & Cocktails page.
Manage seating chart, ensure optimal flow of diners and even distribution by server.
Provide accurate wait times and monitor waiting list.
Manage reservations using OpenTable, recording, printing and sharing important guest notes, including allergies.
Management of the telephone system, responding to guest inquiries courteously, managing on-hold and call transfers.
Manage take-out and delivery orders as directed by management.
Perform regular restroom checks, ensuring guest suppliers are topped up, waste bins emptied, and cleanliness maintained, drawing management attention to any issues that arise.
Set up the host stand and coat check and maintain levels of cleanliness and order throughout service.
Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.
Qualifications: SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

Must be able to perform under pressure in a high-volume restaurant setting.
Must be able to handle guest incidents/complaints.
Must be knowledgeable of Smith & Wollensky’s menus, policies, procedures, the venue and the company history.
Must be well versed in OpenTable and On-line ordering systems.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Leads by example and demonstrates good judgment.
Maintains proper company dress-code standards at all times.
Exhibits and uses good manners, proper personal hygiene, positive attitude, and promptness.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & TRAINING:

High school diploma or equivalent
Previous work experience as a Host is preferred.
Working knowledge of OpenTable is preferred
Basic computer skills

BENEFITS:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k) with Company Match
Paid Time Off
Career Growth Opportunities

Smith & Wollensky participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an online system that allows companies to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. All new hires will be required to complete Form I-9 and successfully participate in the E-Verify process.